Helping Parents Navigate the Youth Mental Health Crisis

As families continue to navigate rising concerns around youth mental health, experts say parents are looking for more guidance on how to support their children before problems escalate into crisis situations.

Donna Teach, chief marketing and communications officer for Nationwide Children’s Hospital, said awareness surrounding children’s mental health has grown significantly in recent years, especially after the U.S. Surgeon General declared youth mental health a major public health crisis. While some children are facing serious mental health challenges, Teach emphasized that mental wellness exists on a spectrum and that parents can play an important role in supporting their child’s emotional health long before a crisis develops.

Teach encouraged parents to think about mental health the same way they think about physical health — as something that should be incorporated into everyday routines. Small habits such as open conversations, mindfulness check-ins, healthy sleep routines, physical activity and emotional communication can all help support children’s overall well-being.

At the same time, she warned that social media platforms and influencers can sometimes spread mental health advice that is not backed by research. Instead, Teach recommends families seek information from trusted organizations and licensed experts. The Kids Mental Health Foundation, founded by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, offers short, practical tools parents can easily incorporate into daily life, including conversation prompts, guidance on school anxiety and tips for recognizing when a child may need additional help.

Teach also stressed the importance of early intervention and communication with pediatricians and teachers. If a child’s behavior suddenly changes or something “doesn’t feel right,” parents should not ignore it. Regular mental wellness check-ins during pediatric visits and conversations with educators can help identify concerns earlier.

Another major focus, Teach said, is reducing stigma. Families often feel more comfortable discussing physical illnesses than conditions such as anxiety, ADHD or depression. She believes normalizing these conversations is critical so parents and children feel supported rather than ashamed.

The discussion comes as new survey findings from The Kids Mental Health Foundation found that children’s mental health and behavior remain among the leading causes of parental stress.